Don't shoot the wounded, they need us more than everThey need our love no matter what it is they've doneSometimes we just condemn them,And don't take time to hear their storyDon't shoot the wounded, someday you might be one

It's easy to love the people who are standing hard and fastPressing on to meet that higher callingBut the ones who might be struggling, we tend to judge too harshlyAnd refuse to try and catch them when they're fallingWe put people into boxes and we draw our hard conclusionsAnd when they do the things we know they should not doWe sometimes write them off as hopelessAnd we throw them to the dogsOur compassion and forgiveness sometimes seem in short supplySo I say...

Chorus

We can love them and forgive themWhen their sin does not exceed our ownFor we too have been down bumpy roads beforeBut when they commit offenses outside the boundaries we have setWe judge them in a word and we turn them out,And we close the doorMyself I've been forgiven for so many awful thingsI've been cleansed and washed and bathed so many timesThat when I see a brother who has fallen from the wayI just can't find the license to convict him of his crimesSo I say...

Chorus

That doesn't mean we turn our heads when we see a brother sinAnd pretend that what he's doing is all rightBut we must help him see his error, we must lead him to repentCry with those who cry, but bring their deeds into the lightFor it's the sick that need the doctor,And it's the lame that need the crutchIt's the prodigal who needs the loving handFor a man who's in despair, there should beKindness from his friends'Lest he should forsake the fear of almighty GodAnd turn away from God and manSo I say...